Bangladesh decimated Windies in the final match of the 3-match ODI series to register a 2-1 victory. Though Shai Hope managed to score another century, the lack of support from the rest of the lads eventually cost them the series.
Asked to bat first by Bangladesh, the West Indies in-form batsmen Shai Hope kept fighting from his end with a six and nine boundaries. However, his partners on the other end fell like dominoes. Mehidy Hasan was successful in dismissing Hemraj early, eliminating an opening stand. Darren Bravo tried to support Hope as he took the fight to Bangladesh, only to be bowled by Hasan in a short span. Windies were hoping to turn it around with a partnership between Hope and Samuels before a beautiful delivery by Saifuddin claimed latter’s wicket.
Continuing a decisive bowling spell, Hasan dismissed Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell in quick succession, thereby dismissing half of Windies batting line-up within the 100-run mark. Shakib reduced the opposition to 143 for 7 by removing all-rounders Chase and Allen for eight runs and six runs respectively.
Hope went on to complete his century with Keemo Paul’s support and ended up putting 198 runs in 50 overs, an extremely reasonable total considering the team’s contributions.
Bangladesh entered to bat with the opening pair of Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das. They put up a decent start of 45 runs before Paul dismissed Das for 23 runs. Then arrived Soumya Sarkar. The presence of two in-form, experienced batsmen spoiled the party for Windies.
Iqbal took the back seat while Sarkar went all guns blazing and punished almost every opposition bowler. Iqbal’s understanding helped Sarkar play his natural game and consequently, he smashed five sixes to Windies spinners. The left-handed duo completed their individual half centuries.
Keemo Paul managed to knock over Sarkar, but the damage was already done. Tamim’s 81 not out and Mushfiqur Rahim’s 16 runs helped Bangladesh win with 69 balls and eight wickets to spare. While Hasan won the Man of the Match for his 4 for 29 runs, Hope became the Man of the Series.
Banlgadesh has now beaten Windies 2-0 in Tests and 2-1 in ODI’s. The losing side is expected to give the hosts, a run for their money in the three-match T20 series beginning from December 17.
Bangla News Express 